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Munich: Old and New
Frauenkirche Cathedral
The behemoth Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, towers 325 feet above the surrounding city, and no other structure within the inner ring road cannot exceed it in height. The twin towers of the Gothic structure have become a major landmark in the Munich skyline. The simple, elegant interior lacks windows, and according to local legend, the devil stomped his feet in glee at what he saw as a stupid move by the architect. Look for the footprint-like indentation in the floor of the church, known as the Devil's Footprint.
Oktoberfest
Beer lovers from around the globe make their way to Munich each autumn, sipping from giant steins served by busty girls donning traditional dirndl dresses. If you want to see Munich doing what it does best, you need to visit during the annual Oktoberfest celebration. Make you plans early; Oktoberfest is Germany's biggest tourist event.
New Town Hall
The neo-gothic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) presides over the northern portion of Marienplatz and houses the current offices of the city government. Visit the towering structure, trimmed with myriad gargoyles, statues and a dragon climbing the turrets, to see the largest glockenspiel, a giant mechanical clock. Two to three times per day, tiny mechanical figures emerge from the clock to reenact parts of German history to the sounds of the chiming clock.
Müllersches Volksbad
For a refreshing dip in a pool during the warm summer months or a warming sit in a steam bath on a chilly winter afternoon, head to Müllersches Volksbad, the place where locals head to bathe in the traditional Roman style. Known as much for its art nouveau architectural design as its pools and saunas, Müllersches Volksbad is worth a visit even if you don't plan to swim.
Pinakothek Galleries
Art buffs will find in the Pinakothek galleries some of the most impressive collections of art, both old and new, anywhere in the world. Ponder the masters at the Alte Pinakothek, home to works by Rembrandt, da Vinci and Ruben. At the Neue Pinakothek, you'll find a vast collection of French Impressionist work, among others, and for a look at the art of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, give the Pinakothek der Moderne a go.
BMW World
The latest and greatest from BMW fresh from the assembly line in the nearby factory sit on display, polished to a high sheen, for all to see at BMW World (BMW Welt). Pick out your new ride, peruse the history of the brand, learn about the technology inside the cars and tour the factory. Even if your passion for cars burns a little dimmer than others, the futuristic building is worth a look on the way to or from Olympiapark.
Residenz
Munich's Residenz served as the residence of the Bavarian royalty from 1385 to 1918. As the residents came and went over the centuries, the complex was added to in a plethora of styles to match each time period. Consequently, a visit to the Residenz is not only a study in Bavarian history, but a timeline of architectural movements as well.
Viktualienmarkt
While you may not have plans to prepare a great feast while in Munich, a visit to the massive Viktualienmarkt, Munich's most famous market, should still have a place in your itinerary. With plenty of on-site Biergarten where you can enjoy the spoils, the market is a great place to purchase a crusty loaf of bread, some olives, pickles, cheeses, cured meats and a bottle of wine for a picnic.
Schloss Nymphenburg
Similar in form and function to Versailles in France, Schloss Nymphenburg was built during the late 1600s as the summer palace for the Bavarian royalty. Leave yourself a few hours to wander the sprawling gardens surrounding the baroque palace and gaze at the intricate frescoes and stucco of the interior halls.
Olympiapark
Constructed for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, Olympiapark remains open to the public and is often used for celebrations, festivals and professional sporting events. Swim the lanes of Olympic greats in the pool or take the lift to the top of the Olympic Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding city and Alps.
About Lydia Schrandt
Lydia, photo editor and Readers' Choice Production Manager for USA TODAY 10Best, has traveled to more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia and North and South America, and has lived in Albuquerque, Galveston, Austin, Thailand, Korea, China, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and now Spain. When she's not at her computer in a cafe, she's out photographing the city, writing fiction or cheering on Barça.
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